National law firm Slater and Gordon is on the hunt for a new chair, and two new non-executive directors, all of whom are finishing their terms.
Slater and Gordon chair James MacKenzie AO, and non-executive directors Elana Rubin AM and Jacqui Walters, are set to wrap up their terms on the board of the national law firm, which has confirmed that the search for new board members is underway.
The Slater and Gordon board has remained in place since its acquisition by Allegro Funds in early 2023, which saw the firm delist from the ASX.
Since that time, Allegro founder and firm board member Adrian Loader said: “It has overseen a period of significant change including the delisting and capital restructure of the business, the appointment of a new chief executive, and the endorsement of a five-year strategy focused on expanding access to justice through client-centred legal services, formidable advocacy, and digital enablement.”
The trio of MacKenzie, Rubin and Walters have, Slater and Gordon said in a statement, “brought principled leadership to the firm during a time of major transformation”. In the last financial year, the firm said it secured nearly $1 billion in compensation for personal injury clients, and more than $300 million in class action settlements.
The board will continue to function as is, the firm said, until new leadership has been confirmed. A new chair is the first port of call, with the search for other directors to follow.
MacKenzie said: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of Slater and Gordon over the past eight years, alongside Elana, Jacqui, and my other fellow board directors. Together, we’ve navigated a period of major change – returning the firm to financial stability and putting in place the foundations for ongoing success.”
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, and of the way the firm has remained true to its purpose of delivering access to justice,” he said.
Johan Krynauw, Allegro managing director and firm board member, added: “On behalf of everyone at Slater and Gordon, I thank James for his exceptional leadership as chair of this business during our initial ownership period. I’d also like to thank Elana and Jacqui for their contributions and the lasting impact they have made for our people, clients, and the firm’s future.”
“We look forward to welcoming James as a senior adviser to Allegro Funds and also to commencing the search for new directors with the same mix of aligned values, governance experience, and strategic insight,” he said.
Dina Tutungi, chief executive of Slater and Gordon, said: “Through their profound contribution, James, Elana and Jacqui helped steer the firm through some of its most challenging times – restoring confidence and setting a clear direction.”
“Their stewardship has helped deliver landmark outcomes for our clients, driven innovation in the delivery of legal services, and brought our people together around a clear vision and shared values for the future. On behalf of the entire firm, I thank them for their service, commitment, and enduring impact,” she said.
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in New South Wales, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
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